>On Hubby’s side of the family we draw names among the adults for Christmas presents. This is something I tried to establish when we first married but it took a couple of years for the idea to take hold. Hubby’s family is rather large – 12+ adults So now we draw names, set a price limit, & write up a wish list which makes budgeting & shopping a lot easier for us.
This has been a rough financial year for almost everyone in the family. Some have lost jobs; others have taken paycuts in addition to the unplanned medical, car, emergency type large expenses. We have been hit below the belt money wise ourselves.
My sister-in-law (SIL) called yesterday with an update on the holiday plans. We are having a Depression Christmas this year. Still drawing names but instead of buying a gift for that person there is a twist.
You can either make a gift for the person whose name you drew. If you make a gift, it must be from items you already have on hand. You have up to $5 to purchase incidentals like extra thread, glue, doodads, etc. The bulk of the item/project must be stuff you already have.
Or you can donate 8 hours of your time doing something specifically to help your gift recipient. Depending on your talents, this could be something like setting up a home computer network, installing/mounting electronics, carpentry work, or even just babysitting or cleaning out the garage. If you chose this option, then you create & print out a gift certificate to be redeemed after the holidays.
Personally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea! I can’t say it enough how much I “heart” the idea. I love the basic concept of saving money but most of all I love how this relates back to the original concept of gift giving – something from your heart specifically chosen with the recipient in mind.
I am looking forward to our Depression Christmas. I can’t wait to see whose name I get & to start planning what I’m going to make.
Elizabeth
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